RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102932
H.I. Sánchez Mendoza , A. González-Ruíz , K. Isaac-Olivé , M.V. Flores-Merino , C.L. Santos-Cuevas , D. Preza-Hernandez , H.B. Ortiz-Oliveros , F.J. Isidro-Ortega
{"title":"Establishing mammography diagnostic reference levels in Mexico: A step towards improving patient radiation protection","authors":"H.I. Sánchez Mendoza , A. González-Ruíz , K. Isaac-Olivé , M.V. Flores-Merino , C.L. Santos-Cuevas , D. Preza-Hernandez , H.B. Ortiz-Oliveros , F.J. Isidro-Ortega","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102932","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102932","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>A quality assurance programme (QAP) must be implemented and monitored to ensure patient radiological safety in mammography units. A QAP should incorporate dosimetric patient quantities, including the mean glandular dose (MGD). The establishment of Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) could promote the standardisation of radiological practices. In Mexico, QAP and DRLs are not widely used and their implementation status has not been reported.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this work, 64 mammography units were evaluated in terms of QAP-dosimetric indicators implementation. From the 26,364 mammography views gathered during the study, local DRLs (LDRLs) were estimated based on MGD for craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) views. Non-parametric tests were used to analyse the relationship between exposure parameters (<em>k</em>V, <em>m</em>As, exposure time) and MGD, categorised by compressed breast thickness (CBT) and patient age.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Almost 25 % of mammography units were found to comply with the QAP dosimetric indicators evaluated. The calculated MGD values show a significant positive correlation between CBT and exposure parameters across all age groups. MGD values significantly differed between age groups, with lower values observed in the elderly group. The LDRLs for craniocaudal (CC), mediolateral oblique (MLO), and all mammography views were 1.92, 2.27, and 2.09 <em>m</em>Gy, respectively. The LDRLs regarding CBT (<20–110 cm) ranged from 0.80 to 3.05 <em>m</em>Gy for CC and from 0.88 to 3.20 <em>m</em>Gy for MLO.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study establishes the first mammography LDRL in Mexico. Given the limited compliance of QAP dosimetric indicators, the legal framework for monitoring radiological patient safety should be strengthened.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>The study results could be used as tools to supervise, promote, and optimise the radiological safety and protection of patients during mammography.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102932"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143816714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-11DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102949
O. Agyenim-Boateng , C. Rogers , A. Hancock , T.N. Akudjedu
{"title":"Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity dynamics and commitment profiles of comparator clinical Radiography and related medical radiation science journals","authors":"O. Agyenim-Boateng , C. Rogers , A. Hancock , T.N. Akudjedu","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102949","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102949","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Medical radiation sciences (MRS) journals serve as the gatekeepers of knowledge within our professional field. This work sought to understand these professional journals’ current levels of commitment and the operational dynamics towards the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI), which can serve as barriers to equitable access to publishing and published evidence.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Seven MRS journals were purposively sampled for inclusion. Editorial statements relating to the included journals’ EDI position were identified through online searching. To ensure completeness, all editorial policies were searched for EDI-related content between May 18 to June 6, 2024. The Braun and Clarke thematic analysis methodology was employed to synthesise the statements.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (JMIRS) and Radiography were the only two journals that had specific EDI statements which guide their operational practices. Alongside tipsRO, JMIRS and Radiography were also the only journals to provide recommendations and/or clear emphasis for the use of inclusive language in their author guidelines. Six key themes were established from the analysis of the two EDI statements: <em>Commitment to Leadership and Editorial Diversity, Diversity Driving Scientific Excellence, Platforming Underrepresented Voices, Commitment to Health Equity, Disrupting Traditional Editorial Practices and Strategic Planning</em> and <em>Monitoring for EDI Progress.</em> Disparity across the two journals was, however, evident.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Whilst some best practices were evidenced, there is an opportunity across all MRS journals to improve and enhance EDI commitments.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Journals play a pivotal role in promoting equitable access to publishing and ensuring the dissemination of diverse perspectives that enrich scientific inquiry and practice. An EDI-friendly MRS research cycle is critical through the comprehensive adoption of regular audits and the implementation of targeted education policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102949"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143816787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-10DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102940
J. Fitzgerald, K.M. Spuur, C. Singh, D.S. Al Mousa
{"title":"Australian radiographers' approaches to mammographic imaging of women with cardiac implantable electronic devices","authors":"J. Fitzgerald, K.M. Spuur, C. Singh, D.S. Al Mousa","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102940","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102940","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In the absence of Australian best practice standards, this study aimed to investigate Australian radiographers’ approaches to mammographic imaging of women with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and to identify differences between the diagnostic and screening settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A survey was distributed amongst Australian radiographers with current or previous mammography experience. Questions explored whether CIED information was obtained via consent or questionnaire, the availability of CIED protocols, the views obtained, radiographer experiences, and exposure settings used. Descriptive analysis using percentages was undertaken. A chi-square test, with a significance level of p < 0.05, was used to compare differences between the screening and diagnostic settings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A sample of 220 radiographers demonstrated inconsistency and uncertainties in positioning approaches within and between radiographers and mammography settings and a knowledge gap surrounding the appropriate degree of compression for current and emerging CIEDs. Only 6 % had a consent form questioning if patients had a pacemaker or CIED; just 20 % had a site protocol to follow, with significantly higher rates in the screening compared to the diagnostic setting (p = 0.017; p < 0.001, respectively). When no protocol was available, the number of different imaging series increased from 13 to 19.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>With no national guidelines or policies identified within Australia, radiographers appeared to lack a clear understanding of best practice imaging approaches for women with a CIED. The results of this study inform the urgent need to develop a foundation of best practice for mammographic imaging of women presenting with CIEDs.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>This study emphasises the importance of educating radiographers and creating national guidelines for safely performing mammography on women with CIEDs in Australia to address the risks posed by current knowledge gaps.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102940"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143808389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-08DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102936
R. Pape , X. Zheng , C. Cowling , C. West , A. Carstens , M. Kostidis , H. Bowmast
{"title":"Exploring the impact of the female thoracic size, breast size and image receptor angles on the volume of missing breast tissue in mammographic imaging","authors":"R. Pape , X. Zheng , C. Cowling , C. West , A. Carstens , M. Kostidis , H. Bowmast","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102936","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Optimal positioning in mammography and subsequent image quality can be impacted by thorax variability, breast size and the chosen image receptor (IR) angles. This study aims to explore the impact of the female thoracic size, breast size and IR angle on the volume of missing breast tissue (MBT) in mammographic imaging.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sixty-three images were recorded: one craniocaudal (CC) at an IR angle of 0° for three sized breast phantoms attached to three sized thoracic models; and six mediolateral obliques (MLOs) at IR angles of 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60° for three sized breast phantoms attached to three sized thorax models. Breast size was determined using the posterior nipple line (PNL) measurement and were recorded in millimetres. Breast volume was recorded in cubic centimetres.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The breast size and breast tissue volume of a small thorax and large breasts was better visualised with increasing IR angles. Optimal MLO IR angles were determined for the combined average thorax with average breast at 55° and large thorax with large breast at 40° with minimum MBT values of 51.33 cm<sup>3</sup> and 75.07 cm<sup>3</sup>, respectively. Female thoracic size, IR angle, and breast size are significant (p < 0.01) and have a positive impact on the volume of MBT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Optimal MLO IR angles were determined for the three breast phantoms attached to three thoracic models. Female thoracic size positively impacts the volume of MBT and in terms of clinical practice it is vital to adjust the MLO IR angle to ensure maximum breast tissue coverage.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>These findings can be modelled in current clinical practice on women presented for mammography examinations with varying thorax and breast sizes, allowing optimal IR angle selection and therefore resulting in improved breast tissue inclusion and subsequently a more accurate breast cancer diagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143789217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-08DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102946
W. Vigers, K. Knight, F. Manning, R. Meertens
{"title":"Subjective assessment of bone health from wrist radiographs","authors":"W. Vigers, K. Knight, F. Manning, R. Meertens","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102946","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102946","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition associated with increased fracture risk, significantly impacting quality of life. Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, but with challenges for timely access. This study aimed to assess the agreement between subjective clinician evaluations of wrist radiographs for radiographic osteopenia and objective DXA-based bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, to assess the role diagnostic radiographers and reporting clinicians might play in early detection of poor bone health.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a survey approach, 104 radiology-related clinicians assessed 28 anonymized posterior-anterior wrist radiographs. The study evaluated participants agreement of radiographic osteopenia assessment with objective DXA assessment for osteopenia/osteoporosis diagnosis. Agreement between participants, and response reliability were also investigated utilising four repeat cases within the dataset. Subgroup analysis was performed based on professional role, clinical experience and if currently in a formal reporting role. Qualitative feedback on clinical understanding of radiographic osteopenia was collected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results generally indicated poor agreement between assessment of radiographic osteopenia, and subsequent DXA outcomes (percentage agreement 51 % (SD 10 %; range 25–79 %). There was poor agreement between respondents, and no statistically significant associations in performance with professional role, experience level, or reporting status. Qualitative responses indicated diverse clinical approaches to identifying radiographic osteopenia, with a focus on bone density, cortical features, and patient age.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results suggest limited reliability of subjective radiographic assessments compared to DXA, suggesting the need for improved consistency in clinical evaluations.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>This study underscores the importance of objective BMD measurements over subjective assessments in detecting early osteoporosis, advocating for further research into sstandardisation and training on subjective assessments of bone health and the clinical implications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102946"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102941
D. Watkin, C. Farrell, M. McGee, I. Welters
{"title":"Complications of nasogastric tube insertion in critical care: A retrospective analysis of radiographs performed for determination of tube position","authors":"D. Watkin, C. Farrell, M. McGee, I. Welters","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Feeding through incorrectly placed nasogastric tubes (NGTs) is associated with severe complications. We audit the management and complications of NGT insertions diagnosed on radiographs in a critical care population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Radiographs performed to ascertain NGT position, and subsequent clinical actions taken were retrospectively analysed. Nasogastric tube position and safety to initiate enteral feeding were extracted from radiology reports.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>From July 2021–December 2022, 512 radiographs were performed, of which 508 were sufficient to determine NGT position. Ten percent of radiographs demonstrated incorrect NGT position. All NGTs inadvertently placed in the airway (2.2 %, 11/512) or coiled in the proximal oesophagus (1.0 %, 5/512) were removed.</div><div>Thirty-five NGTs were imaged in a suboptimal position, positioned in either the distal oesophagus or proximal stomach; however, only 51 % (18/35) were advanced by intensive care clinicians. In 46 % (16/35), radiology reports did not explicitly comment on the safety of use or recommend advancement of the NGT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Radiographs consistently detected NGT misplacement. However, not all unsafe placements were optimised by clinical teams in line with existing guidance. Radiology reports were not always explicit in describing the safety of the NGT for feeding or drug administration. Future quality improvement projects should aim to improve compliance with existing NGT guidance, and standardise radiology reports. New initiatives, including the Radiographer Led Nasogastric Tube Position Check Pathway may improve the efficiency and safety of nasogastric tube insertion in critical care.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Projectional radiography remains a sensitive screening method to detect NGT misplacement in the critically unwell. Compliance with established diagnostic criteria for confirmation of NGT position and standardised reporting are essential to avoid complications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102941"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-07DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102944
S. Kitaguchi , K. Imai , N. Hashimoto , K. Fujii , C. Yamauchi-Kawaura , T. Mizutani
{"title":"Devising a novel evaluation method for computed tomography images containing metal artifacts from titanium seed implants: Application to virtual monochromatic imaging energy optimization","authors":"S. Kitaguchi , K. Imai , N. Hashimoto , K. Fujii , C. Yamauchi-Kawaura , T. Mizutani","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102944","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Metal artifact reduction (MAR) technology cannot fully eliminate metal artifacts from metallic devices in computed tomography (CT) images. Hence, it is important to investigate the optimal acquisition parameters and post-processing techniques. This study aimed to devise a novel evaluation method for images containing metal artifacts from titanium seed implants and identify the optimal energy level for virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) to reduce metal artifacts and enhance signal detectability.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Post-brachytherapy CT scans are a clinical example of the effects of metal artifacts. Therefore, we focused on the pelvic region, including the prostate, and created a phantom with simulated radioactive seeds that were inserted into the prostate region. We investigated the relationship between metal artifacts and monochromatic energy levels (35–200 keV at 5 keV intervals) using a dual-energy CT system with deep learning (DL) and MAR algorithms. Metal artifacts were investigated using the Gumbel evaluation method, which quantitatively evaluates artifacts, and contrast detectability was assessed using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and a newly devised contrast-to-artifact ratio (CAR).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The location parameter, representing the physical index of metal artifacts, was the lowest at 65 keV. CNR and CAR achieved the highest signal detectability at 70 and 65 keV, respectively. VMI at 65 keV provided an optimal balance. When two images with similar CNR values were assessed using CAR, the resulting difference aligned consistently with the visual evaluation findings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>VMI at 65 keV with DL and MAR reconstructions is the optimal acquisition parameter for reducing metal artifacts and improving signal detectability. Additionally, CAR can be used to evaluate images affected by metal artifacts.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>CAR is useful for evaluating the effect of metal artifacts on signal detection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102944"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-05DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102937
M.W. Waked Ali, A.M. Rendón-Garavito, G. Triana
{"title":"Learning from Colombia: How Zimbabwe can improve access to transvaginal ultrasound","authors":"M.W. Waked Ali, A.M. Rendón-Garavito, G. Triana","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102937","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102937"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143776464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102938
B. Chinene, W. Matika, E.Y. Mushosho, L.C. Mutandiro
{"title":"Letter to the Editor response to: Learning from Colombia: How Zimbabwe can improve access to transvaginal ultrasound","authors":"B. Chinene, W. Matika, E.Y. Mushosho, L.C. Mutandiro","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102938","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102938"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
RadiographyPub Date : 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2025.102939
K. Brewer, C. Hawker, N. Chambara
{"title":"Radiography student perceptions of a simulated clinical placement to enhance clinical placement capacity: A descriptive qualitative study","authors":"K. Brewer, C. Hawker, N. Chambara","doi":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.radi.2025.102939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Post-pandemic workforce demands in Wales have resulted in an increase in radiography students, causing an imbalance between student numbers and clinical placement learning opportunities. Simulation-based education (SBE) has been effectively implemented in several healthcare professions to replace clinical placement hours and enhance learning equity. This study aimed to address the limited scope of literature surrounding this approach within diagnostic radiography education in Wales, by exploring student perceptions of a Simulated Clinical Placement (SCP) package in one university radiography degree programme, to establish its acceptability as a replacement of clinical hours.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative descriptive design was selected to explore the value and factors influencing student perceptions of SCP. A focus group of eight students was formed to collect data, which was audio recorded, transcribed, coded and thematically analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes were identified; preconceptions and prior experiences, SCP provision, learning conducive to confidently meeting professional standards, and role in clinical placement capacity. Student preconceptions and prior experiences were initially negative but evolved into enjoyment throughout package delivery. SCP provision influenced learning experiences, with all students reporting SCP enhanced confidence and skills supporting them in meeting required professional registration expectations. Students further reported most learning still occurred in clinical departments, and this was preferable to the SCP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, despite the SCP package being supportive to clinical learning, it was deemed insufficient to replace clinical placement hours, and should be a supplement, not a substitute. Additionally, simulation packages should only be adopted for accommodating already increased student numbers, not as a means of increasing cohort size.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div>Clinical placements and simulation activities will progressively cohabitate, however with limited research and guidance, further exploration is required to establish the extent of this relationship for capacity management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":47416,"journal":{"name":"Radiography","volume":"31 3","pages":"Article 102939"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}